( it's on the tip of his tongue to point out just how far from common rey is, but he draws the words back, tucking them behind his teeth.

he catches her meaning well enough, and daenerys is right in that the problem lies in misunderstanding and rey's willful refusal to see sense. qualities he would admire far more were the galaxy not at stake. )

There were things that I learned ㅡ ( pausing, teeth sliding together. ) threats that were revealed, that would have made it impossible.

( because it isn't the power he wants. not really. power had brought him freedom but also greater scrutiny, and while he had the strength to fend off most (any) challenges, a year spent at the head of the first order had opened his eyes to some of the uglier realities of leadership.

he holds the power because he knows that there are many far worse than himself ready to take his place. this before he'd ever known of palpatine's return.

the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose, to sigh out in exasperation, is immense but he curbs the urge. )

She will come back. ( he settles on, instead. looks to daenerys. ) She is too stubborn to keep herself away for long.